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Note 1 - Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Detail) - The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per common share computations for net income (loss): (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Numerator: |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders |  | $ 4,200 | $ (297) | $ (35,900) | $ 19,087
Revaluation of noncontrolling interest put/call liability reflected in additional paid in capital or retained earnings, net of tax |  |  | (3,992) | (824) | (449)
|  |  | $ (4,289) | $ (36,724) | $ 18,638
Denominator: |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic (in Shares) |  |  | 16,420,886 | 16,395,739 | 16,194,708
Shares for dilutive stock options and warrants (in Shares) |  |  |  |  | 368,000
Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions— diluted (in Shares) |  |  | 16,420,886 | 16,395,739 | 16,563,169
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders (in Dollars per share) |  |  | $ (0.26) | $ (2.24) | $ 1.15
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders (in Dollars per share) | $ 0.27 | $ 0.26 | $ (0.26) | $ (2.24) | $ 1.13

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